Tess (1979)

Leigh Lawson: Alec d'Urberville

Photos 

Quotes 

• Alec d'Urberville : [pins a pink rose on Tess' dress]  What's the matter?

  Tess : A thorn.

  Alec d'Urberville : Aw, cousin, beauty has its price.

• Tess : [Alec picks a fresh strawberry off a bush and dangles it in front of Tess' lips]  I would rather take it from my own hand.

  Alec d'Urberville : [laughs]  Don't be so coy, my pretty cousin. Go ahead.

  [Tess goes ahead] 

• Alec d'Urberville : Forget about that mule you call your husband.

  Tess : [strikes Alec]  Go on, hit me! I shall not cry out. Once victim, always victim. That's the law.

  Alec d'Urberville : I was your master once, I shall be so again. If you're any man's wife, you're mine!

• Alec d'Urberville : Tell me, do you like strawberries?

  Tess : Yes, when they're in season.

  Alec d'Urberville : Here they already are.

• Alec d'Urberville : I may be a sham d'Uberville; but, my little finger can do more for you than all your blue-blooded ancestors. I'm right. You know I am.

• Alec d'Urberville : Ungrateful little minx. Why abandon me as soon as you feel safe?

  Tess : The danger came of your foolishness.

  Alec d'Urberville : I say, what a temper.

• Alec d'Urberville : I always go down hill at a gallop. You can't beat it for stirring the blood.

  Tess : But, perhaps, you needn't do so again.

  Alec d'Urberville : Perhaps, not. It all depends. One little kiss on those ruby lips or even on that satin cheek and I'd drive at a snails pace. Word of honor!

  Tess : But, I don't want to be kissed, sir! Stop! Stop! I beg you! Very well, do as you wish. I don't mind. But, I thought you'd protect me, being a kinsman.

  Alec d'Urberville : Kinsman be hanged.

  [kisses Tess] 

  Alec d'Urberville : You're mighty sensitive for a village lass.

• Alec d'Urberville : [sees Tess trying to learn how to whistle]  Nor art nor nature ever created a lovelier thing than you, cousin Tess. To see that pretty mouth pouting and puffing away, without producing a single note.

  Tess : It's all a part of my work, sir.

  Alec d'Urberville : Well, never mind. I'll teach you. I won't lay a finger on you. See. I'll stay exactly where I am. Now, you watch me. Don't scrape your lips too tight. Do it like this.

  [whistles] 

  Alec d'Urberville : Blow gently. Gently. Try. Try again. Again. There. You'll manage splendidly now that I've started you off.

• Alec d'Urberville : What are you crying for?

  Tess : I was only thinkin', I was born over there.

  Alec d'Urberville : Well, we all have to be born somewhere.

  Tess : Why, I wish I'd never been born. There or anywhere else.

  Alec d'Urberville : You're absurdly melancholy, Tess. You can hold your own for beauty against any woman, queen or commoner. I tell you that as a practical man who wishes you well. If you're wise, you'll let the world get a clearer sight of that beauty, before it fades. Why not make the most of life?

• Alec d'Urberville : You wear your ridiculous pride like a hair shirt!

• Alec d'Urberville : I want to take you away from this wretched place. It's unworthy. What is this strange temptation, misery holds to you?

• Alec d'Urberville : There's a point beyond which obstinance becomes stupidity.